Which of the following precautions must a nurse take while caring for clients with HIV/AIDS to reduce occupational risks?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Transport specimens of body fluids in leak-proof containers. This precaution is essential in reducing occupational risks for nurses caring for clients with HIV/AIDS because it helps prevent accidental exposure to potentially infectious body fluids. Proper handling and containment of body fluids are critical to prevent transmission of HIV and other bloodborne pathogens. Option B is incorrect because seeking a prescription for a fusion inhibitor is not a precaution that a nurse needs to take to reduce occupational risks. Fusion inhibitors are medications used in the treatment of HIV, not as a preventive measure for healthcare workers. Option C is also incorrect as avoiding administering IV drugs is not a specific precaution related to reducing occupational risks for nurses caring for clients with HIV/AIDS. Proper universal precautions and safe injection practices are more relevant in this context. Option D is incorrect as well. Avoiding cleaning the client's room, especially cleaning urine, stool, or vomit, is not a practical or safe approach for a nurse caring for clients with HIV/AIDS. Proper infection control measures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and following standard precautions, are crucial for ensuring safety while providing care. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand and adhere to standard precautions and infection control practices when caring for clients with HIV/AIDS to protect themselves and prevent the transmission of infections. Emphasizing the importance of proper handling, containment, and disposal of body fluids can help reduce occupational risks and promote a safe healthcare environment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most essential nursing action to accomplish at the scheduled time is to infuse pentamidine (Pentam-300) 300 mg IV over 60 minutes (Option B). This is crucial because pentamidine is a crucial medication used in the treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a common opportunistic infection in HIV-positive patients. Administering pentamidine as scheduled is vital to ensure the effectiveness of the drug therapy and to prevent the progression of the pneumonia. The other options are incorrect because they do not address the immediate priority of treating Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Administering the protease inhibitor indinavir (Option A) is important for managing HIV infection but is not the most urgent action in this situation. Swishing and swallowing nystatin (Option C) and applying acyclovir cream to oral herpes lesions (Option D) are important for managing fungal infections and herpes simplex, respectively, but they do not directly address the primary concern of treating the pneumonia in an HIV-positive patient. From an educational perspective, understanding the timing and priority of drug therapies in the treatment of specific conditions is crucial for nurses caring for patients with complex medical conditions like HIV/AIDS. This scenario highlights the importance of prioritizing care based on the patient's immediate needs and the significance of timely administration of medications to achieve optimal outcomes in patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, the best treatment is rest and fluids (Option D). Mononucleosis is a viral infection, so antibiotics (Option A) are ineffective as they only work against bacterial infections. Physical therapy (Option B) is not indicated as rest is crucial for recovery from mononucleosis. NSAIDs (Option C) may help with symptoms like fever and sore throat, but they do not treat the underlying viral infection. From an educational perspective, understanding the appropriate treatment for specific conditions is essential for healthcare providers. Mononucleosis is a self-limiting viral illness that primarily requires supportive care. Emphasizing the importance of rest and hydration in viral infections like mononucleosis helps students grasp the principles of treating viral illnesses effectively. This knowledge also promotes responsible antibiotic use, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. By explaining why certain treatments are appropriate or inappropriate for specific conditions, educators can help learners develop critical thinking skills in clinical decision-making.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Increases inflammatory responses of vascular permeability, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis. The complement system is a crucial component of the immune system that helps to enhance the inflammatory response. It works by promoting vasodilation, increasing vascular permeability (leading to edema), attracting immune cells through chemotaxis, and aiding in the process of phagocytosis to eliminate pathogens. Option A is incorrect because the complement system does not modify the inflammatory response to prevent pain; rather, it enhances the inflammatory process. Option B is incorrect as the complement system does not directly increase body temperature to destroy microorganisms. Fever is typically mediated by cytokines like interleukins. Option C is incorrect because prostaglandins and leukotrienes are produced by arachidonic acid metabolism and are not directly produced by the complement system. These substances do contribute to inflammation but are not directly produced by the complement system. Understanding the role of the complement system in inflammation is vital in pharmacology as it can help healthcare professionals comprehend how certain medications target this system to modulate immune responses in various disease states. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective treatment plans for patients with inflammatory conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse would most likely use an absorptive dressing for the patient in Question 14. Absorptive dressings are designed to manage moderate to heavily exuding wounds by absorbing and retaining wound exudate. These dressings help maintain a moist wound environment conducive to healing while protecting the surrounding skin. Option A, a dry, sterile dressing, would not be ideal for a moderately exuding wound as it may lead to the dressing adhering to the wound bed, causing trauma upon removal. Option C, negative pressure wound therapy, is typically used for wounds with large amounts of exudate or in specific cases where indicated, not for moderate exudate levels. Option D, Telfa dressing with antibiotic ointment, may be used for wounds that require a non-adherent layer, but the focus in this case is on managing exudate effectively. Understanding the appropriate dressing types for various wound presentations is crucial in nursing practice to promote optimal wound healing and prevent complications. Nurses must be knowledgeable about the properties and indications of different dressings to provide effective wound care.